MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State rebounded from a 9-8 loss to Western Carolina Saturday by defeating Alabama A&M 6-3 at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex.
 
Following the win over the Lady Bulldogs, coach Chris Steiner-Wilcoxson needs just one more victory to have 100 total wins at Alabama State. The Lady Hornets (5-1) are currently 1-1 in their home tournament, with two remaining.
 
Western Carolina 9 Alabama State 8
The Lady Hornets surrendered a 6-1 lead late and gave up a run in the top of the seventh to suffer their first loss of 2019. Alabama State built the early advantage via contributions from several batters, with Hailey Walker (one double, one home run, three RBI) and Teah Steel (two singles, two RBI) leading the early onslaught. The Catamounts clawed back into the game with a big fifth inning (four runs), taking advantage of two costly Alabama State errors. Walker launched her first home run of the year over the left field fence and Casey Durham ripped an RBI single as the Lady Hornets knotted the score at 8-8 heading to the seventh before eventually giving up the game-deciding run in the top of the seventh courtesy of an RBI double from Western Carolina. Alexis Sydnor, Amira James and Alexis Massie joined Walker and Steele in the multiple-hit category.
 
Alabama A&M 3 Alabama State 6
Alabama State flipped the script in the nightcap, overcoming a two-run deficit to secure the 6-3 win. The Lady Hornets found their groove in the fifth inning when Vanessa Bradford opened the inning with a ringing double down the right field line. Jordan Amerson and Kristin Gunter each had an RBI single in the frame, helping Alabama State regain the momentum. Following run-scoring singles from Sydnor and Gunter in the sixth, Bradford slam the door shit in the seventh for her third win of the season.
 
Noteworthy
Alexis Sydnor made her first career start for Alabama State against Alabama A&M, and the decision paid dividends as the junior from Opelika, Ala. grabbed two hits and would finish the day with four total base-knocks.
 
Bradford picked up the complete-game win while striking out two Lady Bulldogs and walking four.
 
Sophomore Kaitlyn Kilner made her first appearance of the year Saturday and made an impact with two runs scored.
 
Bradford collected two hits in two at bats against the Bulldogs to bring her season average to a team-best .875.
 
What's Next
Alabama State will finish Friday's halted game against Purdue Fort Wayne after the conclusion of the first game of the day at 9:00 am between Fort Wayne and Jacksonville State. The Lady Hornets will then square off with UT-Martin at 11:30.
 
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